CFLA Athlete Profile – Liang Wang

Hometown: Huntington Beach, CAAge: 29Occupation: EntertainmentWhen did you first start CrossFitting?: January 2014When did you first start training at CFLA?: January 2014Favorite WOD: Nothing specific per se, I like when there is a combination of rowing and weights.Least Favorite WOD: Burpees will always hold a terrifying place in my heart (albeit less terrifying now), but lately lunges are up there as least favorite.

Tell us about you sports & fitness background: I played tennis growing up (and basketball/soccer back in those middle school days), but I always shied away from physical activity, resigning myself to being an athletic supporter instead.

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit?Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? My sister is a CrossFit coach and ever since she started CrossFitting it was all she could talk about (CrossFit is opposite of Fight Club right :)?). With some added pushing from my brother Jun who wanted to give CrossFit a try, we looked around and found CFLA. The first WOD I remember doing was the baseline workout, and it honestly felt like the hardest thing in the world. I may or may not have thrown up afterwards…we’ll never know.

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? At the risk of sounding preachy and overdramatic, CrossFit has really changed my life. I now prioritize health and fitness in my life, and the results have backed up that change. In addition, I’ve dropped quite a few pounds and I’m happily buying smaller sizes (woo!) I actually look forward to working out (past Liang would NEVER have believed it – NEVER!) and I never miss an opportunity to talk up CrossFit to interested parties.

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? Just realizing that I actually like working out – that’s the biggest thing. It’s also helped my tennis game, as I’m able to hustle more on the court. And the positive encouragement from friends and other CFLA members don’t hurt!

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFLA moments:Any firsts on a skill that I previously couldn’t do, whether it be push-ups, rope climbs, handstands, etc. it keeps me going and wanting to improve. Also I just love the general CFLA community – everybody is so welcoming and inspiring, and funny sometimes too!

Any advice for people just getting started? Forget what you’ve heard about CrossFit and experience it for yourself – seriously! I guess that would be more for people hesitant to start it. For those who have just started, scale workouts to what you are comfortable with – no shame in adjusting the number of burpees you have to do, because sometimes burpees are evil.

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?I love playing tennis and watching it of course – currently engrossed in the US Open in NY. I’m a huge foodie and love trying out new restaurants (but can’t cook to save my life). And always happy to talk TV with anybody!